Yes, this photo is me on Bow Bridge in New York City June 2010. And, yes, I’m still counting the days since that trip of a lifetime, and I’m filled with more goodies to share with you about travel in general, student travel specifically, and Washington D.C. and New York City up close and personal.

Therefore, I thought I should pop in and tell you why the blog has been quiet lately and why it might be hit and miss for another couple of months. I’m facing some health treatments that take time and energy.

But don’t go anywhere! I’ll be back and healthy at the end of that time and ready to stir you up with all kinds of student travel goodies. There is so much to see, so much to do, and I’ve only begun to tell you about it.

One more thing – it’s only the blogger who’s out of commission for a time. If you know where you want to go and that you’re taking a large group with you, our student travel home page is still the place to go for all the help you’ll need. Happy traveling! And Happy 2011!

Serenity

I have a thing for art – not just pieces on a wall but the whole experience of creating or experiencing beautiful creativity. I think travel is a great inspiration for it, which makes art one of the most obvious of our  educational theme tours.

Art lovers would travel almost any distance for a famous art museum. And they wouldn’t really need any other attraction beyond the beautiful pieces they love. New York City is one of our favorite choices for all kinds of student travel, including art tours. Visitors to Manhattan could easily spend more than one day in the breathtaking Metropolitan Museum of Art. This attraction displays art from all over the world, from many different cultures, and from many different historical eras. You’ll find larger-than-life modern pieces on the terrace, temporary exhibits on fashion, pop culture, and more, plus the class pieces you’ve come to expect and many that will surprise and move you. The Met also has restaurants inside and everything you need to spend hours studying the magnificent pieces – from paintings and drawings to musical instruments, costumes, and so much more.

Beyond this attraction, New York City offers still more. The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMa, is another popular art museum in the city. Its focus is on modern and contemporary art, and some of the exhibits here will truly astound you. And then there’s the Guggenheim, which is as much a wonder on the outside as in. The building spirals from its wide bottom to its narrower top. To view the displays, you ride an elevator to the top, then descend the spiraling walkway through the amazing exhibits.

You can see what I mean about New York City’s environment for art. A tour there could include at least these three museums, and there are many other attractions to round out your itinerary. But there are art museums throughout the country that will surround you with beautiful pieces as well. All of them were founded with the same goals in mind – to connect people to art for education, inspiration, and to develop a better understanding of our world.

The St. Louis Art Museum embraces this purpose so thoroughly that they want any person to be able to enjoy the experience they offer. Designed as part of the 1904 World’s Fair, this museum is free to all its guests. It offers displays and exhibitions, plus a variety of educational tours. If this museum could give every person in the world an understanding of the gift of art, I’m sure they would do it. St. Louis is a fascinating city, the Gateway to the West and marked as such by the sleek, familiar Arch – a beautiful St. Louis attraction in its own right, resting on a peaceful park. A tour of St. Louis might include any number of fascinating attractions besides the Art Museum, and it’s a great choice for student travel because of it.

Of course, there are many other cities with art museums. Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles all have popular art museums, as well as MANY cities in between. Find one near you, and consider a theme in art for your next educational tour. The inspiration is priceless.

Do you ever feel alone? If you haven’t, I’m not sure you’re a part of the human race. We’re excellent at feeling alone. We can feel alone when we grow up with too many siblings, alone on an airplane, alone in a crowd. And definitely, definitely, we can feel alone in our passions.

Writers, for instance, are known for this. Writing is a lonely job, we often say. Just me, my computer, and the movie soundtracks on Pandora. Then, inevitably, we find a critique group or an agent or – every writer’s dream-come-true – an editor. And suddenly we’re not alone anymore. By the time a book gets its cover art, we realize we’re just one part of a massive team.

Similarly, adventurers feel alone. Some of them sort of like it that way I think. We want to explore the world in order to observe it, not so much to have it sharing hotel rooms with us and choosing where we’ll eat. But how much more amazing could your lonely trip to Somewhere be if you first connected online with people who are there, or if you connected during the trip with people who wish they were. And for goodness sake don’t try to plan group travel tours without a little help from someone who’s navigated the chaos and decision-making of that organizational nightmare. Find people who can help. Twitter is an excellent resource for that.

Because the thing is, while we’re feeling alone, so is everyone else. Not one of us is truly alone. Someone out there has a job like ours, a passion like ours, a family like ours. Someone has been there. Someone can relate. If we feel truly, terribly alone then either we have too high an opinion of ourselves, or we just haven’t reached out.

Enter Twitter. I’m a travel writer who doesn’t get to travel very much (husband, kids, budget, not-in-the-job-description – you get the idea). And I felt really alone in that. Until Twitter. I’ve found a wealth of other travel writers there, a plethora of adventurers who are taking the journeys I haven’t taken but that I want to learn about, plus a ton of people who love to travel more than they actually do.

Twitter is about to launch a redesign that is supposed to be more user-friendly, making it easier to find new and valuable information without ever leaving the website. Until that day, or in preparation for it, try these Twitter tips for getting connected:

1. Be who you are.

I have two twitter accounts, the one for personal use with lots of followers I know in real life. This one points to my personal blog and is vaguely focused on the writing community and book publication but really just focused on me in all my roles – wife, mom, writer, blogger, cancer survivor, observer of life, etc. Because I had this account I really struggled with building the account for my day job as a travel writer. I felt like focusing on that one part of my life was like withholding part of the truth. Not so.

Many people have various twitter accounts for their unique interests. And I’ve now realized that isn’t just possible, it’s preferable. People want to know what it is they’re following. Your bio should tell them. If it’s largely an account for your business, say so. If you want to give advice about the travel industry, let people know that’s the plan. If you’re looking for advice from others, open up about that too. Now I have a twitter account for my writer persona and one for my travel one. I feel fully a part of both communities. Every now and then I follow a person with both accounts, but usually the two worlds never meet. According to recent statistics, Twitter signs up 370,000 new users every day. That’s a large community, and you should be reaching out to your part of it.

2. Be valuable.

I used to think Twitter was largely created for a night on the town. I took the “what are you doing?” question literally and understood that individuals often used it to let their peers know where they’d be at a certain time for drinks, etc. Now Twitter has become the New Media. It’s a place to find out what articles, photos, and blogs are truly of interest, especially in a given field. If someone you’ve been following for a while tells you there’s an interesting article on Paris excursions, you’re likely to believe them.

Therefore, do your best to fight – tooth and nail – the urge to describe your morning bagel. There’s certainly an audience for this. We all do it sometimes. But mostly, people what to learn, to grow, and to weed out all the noise on the internet in order to find the treasure. Help ‘em out. Use your feed sparingly throughout the day so you don’t fill too much of a person’s homepage, and use it to point to things that matter.

3. Search, search, search

I’ve been so thrilled with the travel resources I’ve found through Twitter. You can learn so much about any given subject just by finding the people tweeting about it. How do you do it? Search. Choose terms specific to your interests and see if you can find people tweeting about it in real time. You can also use the Find People feature to look for feeds specific to travel, writers, business, social media, etc. Also, when you find a website you love or a blog, they probably have a twitter feed. Look for the little blue bird or other Twitter icon, and add them immediately. It can be invaluable to you to learn on Twitter every time the blogger updates their page.

4. Lists

Once you find someone well-established in a specific field, see if they’ve built lists with fellow members of the group. Lists can help you find hundreds of tweeters answering the questions you want to ask.

Bottom Line

Don’t go it alone. There’s an entire community out there that wants to hear what you have to say and that wants to talk about the things you love. Find them, connect, tweet. It’s as simple as that.

**If travel’s one of your passions, follow me @shesgoingplaces and discover all kinds of fellow adventurers on the web.

It’s after 3 p.m. on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and I’ve got that wonderful holiday on the brain. But where do people travel for Labor Day? They go home. Most people want to spend this aptly-named holiday doing the opposite of labor. On it, we want to relax. We want to spend time actually enjoying the people we’re with rather than just bumping into each other to accomplish the things we want to do. We want to eat, lounge, and nap. We want to take advantage of what might be one of the last weekends hot enough for the pool. That’s Labor Day. So what does a travel writer have to say about it?

Well, here’s my idea. There’s an art to successful group travel, and let’s face it: You’ll probably spend a bit of this weekend in a group. Here are some tips I’ve learned from group travel tours that might be just the ticket to make your Labor Day smooth, meaningful, and totally hassle-free.

Pick a leader

This may seem obvious in a family, but listen. If Mom or Grandma doesn’t or can’t take charge for the family gathering, somebody’s gotta. Hopefully there won’t be as many decisions to make at the family barbecue as there would be on a tour of New York City, for instance, but there’s still a huge benefit to having that one person everyone looks to when the decisions are a draw. When should we eat? Hire a babysitter and go to the movies or watch the marathon on t.v.? Kids upstairs or down? Where do they fill the water balloons?

I’m just saying. Questions will arise. Somebody has to take responsibility for the answers.

Be Flexible

Like rubber band-flexible only more so. This is the ultimate key to hanging out in a group, especially if you want to get anything done. Things go wrong. Inevitably one person is going to have a stronger opinion than you. And there’s just so much to consider. Take it upon yourself to not care. Find your inner comic relief – that person in a movie or television show who doesn’t take anything seriously, can break the tension in any given room, and lets anything and everything roll right off their back. You’ll have a more peaceful experience if you do, and everyone around you will too.

Common denominators are your friend

For group travel, I like to recommend a theme – something the group can agree on as a basic focus for their trip. This makes it easier to choose which attractions to include. And when you’re in a family gathering, though everyone will hopefully follow the classic conversational rule of avoiding difficult topics, it’s important to find common denominators. Think of things you can all not necessarily agree on but at least that you can all converse about and feel a part. Keep things positive. Keep them light, if necessary. And learn to steer a conversation toward those common themes when things get too one-sided or tense.

Spend at least part of the day together

For group travel, you’re bound to hear these words at least once, “Let’s all meet back here at….” And yet, when we get together as a family we might spend the entire weekend separated by gender or age or other group dividers. I come from a lot of faith on all sides of my family, so we usually accomplish the togetherness thing at the very least before meals when we gather to pray. If that’s not a part of your family tradition, there are many other ways to bring everyone together. How about cards? A Pitch tournament or Nertz (have you heard of Nertz? SO FUN) are both perfect for family gatherings. Maybe your family members all love movies; gathering around a big screen tv totally counts for togetherness. And since it’s Labor Day – the ultimate outdoor holiday – there are tons of  other options. How about kite-flying or a family softball game? Volleyball is always a favorite for large groups too.

No one wants their entire weekend scheduled – that’s why we have Labor Day, after all. But don’t be afraid to organize at least one big moment that gathers the whole clan for a similar activity. They might grumble and complain at first, but they’ll thank you in the end. (At least, they’ll want to.)

The World War II Memorial is one of my favorites in Washington D.C. I am so struck by the amazing detail. I first saw it when I went to D.C. to learn about the many beautiful attractions usually included in educational student tours. I thought of my grandfather while I was there, wishing he could be with me. And I couldn’t wait to get home and share the pictures with him and then read all about the memorial and the significance behind each and every part.

We went at night, and it was breathtaking. But I would have liked to see it during the day as well, because I didn’t want to miss a thing.

As we left, a group of people stood by the water’s edge, and some girls danced into the water in pretty, red dresses. I thought it made an amazing picture, and I snapped it before I thought.

Behind me, a coworker grimaced. He couldn’t believe the disrespect of these girls, to prance around in the water of a memorial dedicated to men who’d given their lives in such a devastating war. I was taken back by his response; it hadn’t been mine. And I certainly understood what he meant. One of the beautiful things about the memorials in D.C. is that generally people do show great respect there. You won’t usually find chaos, laughter, or loud conversation. They’re each places of reflection in their own way, and visitors usually feel that and observe it.

But after thinking about it for a while, I still stand by my initial reaction that the scene was a beautiful one. I have to hope that on some level the girls realized they would never be free to dance there without the sacrifice of the people the memorial celebrates. Even if they don’t exactly realize it, isn’t it true? Isn’t it sort of beautiful that generations after that horrible era, young people are so free? It’s a beautiful thing to me.

What do you think?

The thing about spring break is that it doesn’t really happen in the spring. It happens when winter is barely-to-not-really over and those of us in the mid to northern states are suffering if not clinically from seasonal affective disorder than definitely from sheer exhaustion at being so cold all the time.

And that’s why spring break trips tend to be at the beach. We pack a couple of swimming suits, a towel, and our winter frustration and get as quickly as possible to Florida’s gulf, Mexico, or Miami, and all we want is sun, sand, and the knowledge that there’s no way we’re going to wake up to snow.

Recently I visited New York City in June. It was my first time, something I’d dreamed about for years, and the weather was so perfect I could have sworn the city was opening its arms to me, wooing me to dig in my heels and just stay there forever. That’s about the time I realized there are better places to visit than the beach when the weather is truly, beautifully spring.

Spring is the perfect time to visit almost anywhere. In Manhattan in the spring I was perfectly happy just walking from one attraction to the next. The subway was, I imagine, much more manageable than in the hot summer months, and we found shade everywhere – from the tall buildings to the trees in Central Park and even from the metal awnings created by scaffolding throughout the city as buildings received their six-year inspections.

And since I’ve mentioned Central Park…Seriously, I can’t think of any place I’d rather be in the spring than there. To disappear into the walkways and quiet paths of that beautiful urban playground while the city bustles around you – there’s nothing better. The park was designed, you know, to gradually descend to the center. Thus the magic of walking in complete serenity only yards from honking cabs, gabbing tourists, and thousands of people on cell phones.

Other things I couldn’t imagine improved upon by the weather we experience in spring included the observation decks, both on the Empire State Building and at Top of the Rock, the water cruise to the Statue of Liberty, and our evening on the terrace of a local pub. New York City was simply amazing in every way. I cringed every time I had to be beneath it in the subway system or if I was trapped too long in its interiors. I wanted to be outside, taking in as much of it as possible, all the time. And spring was the perfect time to do that. (Although don’t get me started on how amazing it would be in the fall).

So although I know you’re going to spin a map and point to the nearest stretch of ocean shore the next time you plan a spring break trip, when actual spring comes around, promise me you’ll consider instead the cities, the mountains, the historical landmarks, and the classic American cultures you’ve always wanted to explore. There’s no better time for discovery.

The blog will be quiet for a week as we take in the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. and New York City. We’ll come back with fresh blog ideas, travel tips for group travel tours, and much, much more. In the meantime, drop us a note about topics you’d like to see discussed on the blog in the future!

I’d love to be somewhere someday when a flash mob happened. It cheers me up just watching some of those on You Tube, so I’m pretty sure the real thing would thrill me right to my toes.

In a few weeks I’m hoping to discover firsthand what it’s like to travel in a mob. I thought the idea of a mob dance would inspire you while I offer some of my own ideas on how to make it work. And once I get back, I’ll try and let you know if I managed to follow my advice. We specialize in group travel tours around here, so I’m thinking my firsthand advice could be useful.

GO WITH THE FLOW

This is definitely my first order of business. I discovered it long ago but wasn’t really able to put it into practice without lots of trying. Being hungry, cold, too hot, tired, or tired of walking – any of these used to throw me into the depths of despair. I’d need relief immediately or prepare for the black cloud of my emotions to eat alive anyone within arm’s length. This kind of personality will not work in a large group. Period. If this is you, I’m not saying you have to change who you are. I AM saying you have to change who you are for this trip.

Learn to keep moving while you’re tired; maybe just talk a little less. Trust that food and drink are always just around the corner. Just because it takes longer in a large group to decide on specifics and therefore longer to get things accomplished, doesn’t mean you’ll never find nourishment again. Hang in there. Meal times will find you.

Be a Decision-Maker

Mostly, you probably just need to go with the flow, as above. But every now and then large groups find themselves without a prominent decision-maker. This Is Trouble. If your group tour is customized by a professional, a brilliant itinerary will hopefully make all the decisions for you. But every now and then, it rains. Things get cancelled. Buses are late. Etcetera. And when it’s pushing an hour or so past lunchtime, and what stands between you and food is just for one person to name the place already, then name it. Be willing to put yourself out there as the person who suggested that little hole-in-the-wall diner, because at least it was close by. Sometimes the holes in the wall turn out to be delightful finds.

Lower your expectations

Listen, we all have plans and dreams. We all picture how we want a thing to go, the attractions we most want to see and how long we want to take at each one. Let go of that. Consider Flash Mob Travel your chance to get an overview of places you’d like to explore on your own in the future. Don’t expect to stand several hours in front of one gorgeous painting at the Met. Don’t plan on half a day to meditate at the Lincoln Memorial or a quiet, leisurely stroll through Central Park. Get excited simply that you’re seeing these things at all. Go along for the ride, so to speak. When the group needs to move on, don’t fret.

One thing I plan to do is take a journal and a pen. I’m going to jot down my first impressions or the things I’d like to explore at another time. I won’t stress when I’m inspired but the group needs to move on, because at least I was there to capture a first impression. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have even had that.

Traveling in a group can be a challenge, and it requires compromise – like being in a family only magnified. Choose to go with the flow, make decisions when you need to, and be grateful for small opportunities, and group travel can be an experience almost as perfect as getting everything your own way.

Photo by leuan Jenkins on Flickr.

I bet you’ve heard a few speeches like this one recently (or that you soon will). I actually love this Dr. Seuss book, and I kind of judge you if you don’t love it. It’s such a delightful, poetic summary of life.

So today, in the spirit of that book and of all the inspirational graduation speeches you’ll hear around this time, I’m waxing philosophical.

One of my favorite graduation speeches ever went like this: Life is short, so enjoy every single moment. Drink it in. But at the same time, you’ve got more time than you think. So relax. Don’t rush the big decisions in life or think you should always be farther along than you are. It will happen. Just enjoy the ride.

Oh how I adore the balance of that message! BUT IT’S SO DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW! Have you noticed?

For instance, right now – if you’re one of the many college graduates in the world – you face an interesting realm of possibility. And that advice that I love so much can both inspire you and raise the question, So what then do I do next?

On the one hand, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of your recent degree and fresh ideas and enthusiasm, put your resume out there, nail some interviews, and find the perfect job to jump start a lifelong career.

But you know what happens after the job that starts a career? A thing they call Life. You begin to grow more and more settled with various work and family responsibilities. And you know what’s  harder to do when you’re in that stage? Pretty much everything.

It’s harder to go places, harder to take risks, harder to try something when you have absolutely no idea how it will turn out. In that sense, this is the perfect time for those things. It’s the perfect time to take risks, because theoretically you’ve got a lot less to risk and a lot more to gain. It’s a great time to travel, because you only have to worry about yourself. It’s the perfect time for Europe student tours, backpacking through France, Spain, and Germany. And it’s the perfect time to spend several months in a place you’ve always wanted to discover.

I guess the question is, what is the appropriate balance today? Is this your chance to visit some place you’ve always wanted to see? Or is it time to get established and trust that exciting things lie somewhere farther in the future.

It’s your choice, every day. Life is short…but you have more time than you think. How will you make the most of today?

Photo by Leonard John Matthew on Flickr.

Well, you can guess our opinion on this.

After graduation, unless you’re an older graduate already settled with a home and family, then this is your moment. It’s the perfect time to travel.

A trip you take after graduation won’t fit the technical definition for student tours, but as you know, traveling is always an education. You have hopefully caught the bug to become a student of life, and travel is a wonderful way to do it.

So consider this our congratulations for your amazing accomplishment. Then take a moment to browse our sites and discover the fascinating places and international tours we can arrange for you.

Don’t miss this chance to spread your wings and truly discover your place in the world.

Photo by MarinaAvila on Flickr.